To the Editor: Thanksgiving took on special meaning this year, as East Rockaway came together as one community to recover from the destruction Superstorm Sandy caused for so many of our neighbors. The village board and I remain committed to providing relief to homeowners and businesses and are thankful for the assistance received from neighboring municipalities. Lynbrook Mayor William Hendrick and Rockville Centre Mayor Fran Murray loaned us sanitation manpower and vehicles, increasing the number of our already hardworking sanitation crews out on the streets. Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony J. Santino and Supervisor Kate Murray also arranged for TOH sanitation assistance. Not only did we receive additional personnel, but refuse is now able to be disposed by sanitation at the town’s transfer station. Murray and Santino also opened a relief center at Hewlett Point Beach where residents can come for hot showers daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. There is at least one bright silver lining in the aftermath of the storm: East Rockaway’s immediate response to all neighbors has brought out the best in our community. It’s the type of small-town charm that can’t be replicated or replaced. It makes me and the village board proud.Francis T. Lenahan Jr. Mayor, Village of East Rockaway